LCSW, 10 years of experience
I am a therapist specializing in adult mental health and addiction disorders. I have 10 years of experience providing individual, group, and couples therapy. I have worked in both inpatient and outpatient environments. I offer individual, self-pay only couples counseling, and Board of Nursing evaluations. Individual counseling is billed through insurance or self-pay at $100 per hour. Couples counseling is $150 per hour. Board of Nursing evaluations are billed out-of-pocket due to the extensive paperwork/correspondence involved. However, follow-up visits can be billed through insurance if I am in-network with your insurance company. There is a no-show fee of $100. There is a late cancellation (less than 24 hours) fee of $100. My mission is to be used by God to help others reach their highest potential and purpose in life; to represent and teach tolerance, respect, and harmony; and to promote social and economic justice. I believe that all people regardless of race, culture, age, gender, religion, physical or mental disability, and sexual orientation are entitled to basic rights and fair, humane treatment. I believe that all members of society should have the same basic rights, protections, opportunities, obligations, and social benefits. My practice is governed by the belief that you are a valuable human being. You have the right to express your ideas and opinions openly. You have the right to direct and govern your life. You have the right to stand up for yourself without anxiety and make choices that are good for you. You have the right to change your mind. You have the right to not be liked by everyone. You have the right to be wrong. You have the right to make requests and refuse them without feeling guilty. You have the right not to be responsible for others’ behaviors, actions, feelings, or problems.
In our first session, we will complete a biopsychosocial assessment to identify the problem (s) and form a diagnosis. During the next session, we will create a treatment plan with goals and objectives or steps to accomplish the goals; identify barriers to reaching the goals; and set a time frame for accomplishing the goals. Throughout therapy we will review your progress and make changes as needed. When goals are close to being met, we will begin to look at less frequent visits and possibly terminating therapy.
My biggest strengths are having the natural ability to listen, show empathy, and sense solutions to whatever issues you may be experiencing. My role in the therapeutic relationship is to empower you to identify what needs to change, identify your strengths, give you the resources to make decisions, and be the cheerleader supporting you in your growth on life’s journey. I have worked with diverse populations including veterans, victims of domestic violence, refugees, asylees, immigrants, victims of torture, clients with criminal histories, low-income, single parents, and clients who range in diversity of age, gender, income, disability, gender identification, and religious beliefs.
I enjoy working with anyone feeling stuck, overwhelmed, and uncertain about their past issues, present circumstances, or future plans. I best work with individuals or couples who are willing, open, and ready to do the work it takes to see results.
My treatment approach is “eclectic” which means I use a variety of theories, models, and perspectives to guide sessions and help you attain your highest potential. I use Cognitive, Systems, Psychodynamic, Biological, and Humanistic theories; Strengths-Based and Ecosystems perspectives; and Cognitive Behavioral, Gestalt, Person-Centered, Crisis Intervention, Problem-Solving, Task-Centered, Solution-Focused, and Narrative practice models. I also use techniques from motivational interviewing, psychoeducation, and mindfulness/meditation. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based form of treatment that has been proven to be effective for depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, alcohol and drug use problems, marital problems, eating disorders, and other severe mental illnesses. I have been using CBT for 10 years in practice and it is the primary treatment method that I use. I use it to help clients recognize how their thoughts affect their beliefs which affect their actions and behaviors. Clients are assigned CBT exercises to complete outside of sessions that help achieve this goal. Being able to recognize unhelpful/negative/distorted thoughts is the first step to resolving problematic behaviors.